In addition to opening six shelters – in Prescott, Payson, Wickenburg, Kingman and Kearny – for the five blazes, the Red Cross operated a recovery center at the Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church to provide resources to Yarnell residents. At the recovery center, meals, snacks and water were served; ice and cleaning supplies were distributed; nurses replaced medications, eyeglasses and contacts; and mental health volunteers offered emotional support and long-term coping strategies.

The Red Cross ran 38 hydration stations during last week’s memorial at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley for the 19 firefighters killed June 30 while battling the Yarnell Hill Fire. About 100,000 bottles of water were distributed by the Red Cross to 25,000-plus people watching on TVs outside the arena, and the Red Cross passed out tissues and sunscreen. It also had spiritual care teams on site.

“I’ve directed countless relief operations around the country for the American Red Cross for many years. This one was different. It was where I live. You can’t help but take it personally,” said Prescott resident Vic Hencken, the Red Cross Job Director for the operation. “I’ve always been amazed at the generosity of the American public, but Prescott took it to a new level. So many offers of support were made that we couldn’t possibly utilize them all. It makes me proud to be a part of this community.”

About 50 percent of the Red Cross personnel used in the operation were Grand Canyon Chapter employees and volunteers and spontaneous volunteers, with the other half comprised of Red Cross national staff and volunteers representing other chapters – some from as far away as Hawaii. In Payson, about 75 percent of the Grand Canyon Chapter’s volunteer base was put into action.